Bad Policy

Seamus McCree #2

by James M. Jackson

When private financial investigator Seamus McCree returns to Cincinnati after a routine business trip, he discovers that his home has become a crime scene for a brutal murder. The victim in his basement is an acquaintance from a previous corporate investigation-and endured bullets to both of his ankles, knees and elbows before the final shot to his forehead put him out of his misery. No one has seen an "IRA six pack" victim since the Troubles in Northern Ireland in the 1970s. Now the primary "person of interest" in the murder, Seamus must use his talent for logic and hard work to prove his innocence. Soon he uncovers a trail that leads back to his Boston roots-and a poisonous family feud dating from the divorce of Boston's Irish mafia and the Provisional IRA in the 1970s. Driven by the chilling realization that there was more behind the death of his policeman father than he ever knew, Seamus ignores warnings from the police, friends and enemies and continues to dig for the truth. As the body count climbs, all trails seem to lead back to him, and Seamus is forced to go underground to find out who is framing him - and why - before he becomes the next victim.

Genres: Mystery

222 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2013

About the author

James M. Jackson writes justice-driven thrillers with “brains and bite,” including the award-winning Seamus McCree series. That series explores financial crimes, family relationships, and their deadly intersection across eight novels, two novellas, and several short stories. His Niki Undercover Thriller series, currently with two novels and one in progress, stars Ashley Prescott, an undercover federal agent fighting domestic terrorism of all kinds.

A life member of Sisters in Crime and past president of its Guppy Chapter, Jackson calls home the deep woods of Michigan's Upper Peninsula. These days he is a snowbird with clipped wings, retreating only to Madison, Wisconsin when weather and road conditions make access to his U.P. home problematic.

When he’s not tormenting his characters, he’s likely birdwatching, hunting for moose sheds, or tracking wolves. Find news, extras, and upcoming events at his website https://jamesmjackson.com.

Reviews

[David Freas · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wasn’t sure I would like this book when I started reading it. That changed the further I got into the story. For one, Seamus McCree is a likeable character, making it easy to root for him to succeed.

There are three things that set this book apart from others in the genre.
1/ Seamus has a normal relationship with his son and father.
2/ He’s not a drunk, recovering alcoholic, drug addict, or angst-ridden soul.
3/ It’s set in a large town instead of a major city.

I thought this was the first book in the series only to find out, after I’d finished it, there was a book before this one and two after it. Some sites list the earlier book as a prequel, others call it Book 1 – so this book is either the first or second in the series. Take your pick.

Either way, this book was good enough to make me want to read more of Seamus’s adventures.

[Marilynn Larew · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m recommending this one to my friends.

James M. Jackson has written a taut, exciting, classic mystery thriller. From the name of his hero, Seamus (pronounced ‘Shamus’) McCree to the sinuous plot to the surprising conclusion of Bad Policy, Jackson shows McCree to be a worthy successor to Phillip Marlowe. McCree, financial crimes sleuth, walks the mean streets of Cincinnati. And Chillicothe. And Boston. (Who knew Chillicothe had mean streets?) But unlike Marlow, who walks the streets of Los Angeles alone, McCree comes complete with a son who’s starting an IT business, a girl friend who’s a bodyguard in the security firm for which McCree does his financial investigations, an uncle who’s a retired Boston cop, and a mother who hasn’t spoken in twenty years.

McCree’s trials begin when a man is found tortured and murdered in his basement. He is, of course, the prime suspect. In an attempt to free himself from suspicion, McCree discovers some frauds, shoots an intruder, and has a hit put out on him. His investigation leads to a decades-old death in Boston. Did I mention that the bad guys burn his house down?

If a writer should drag his hero through hell, Jackson does the job neatly. The twists and turns of Jackson’s plot lead McCree into peril, which he meets with courage, and into problems he meets with cunning. Also starring are the Irish mafia and a crooked MBA.

This one kept me up until way past my bedtime.

[Sandee · Rating 5 out of 5]

( Book #2 in Seamus McCree series)

Another rip-roaring adventure, as Seamus McCree gets his self in a wee bit of trouble, a girlfriend, his whip smart son, Paddy and a hit man on his tail and it couldn't be anymore suspenseful or on the edge of your seat read. I loved it, and looking forward to book three, four and five. I finished this one tonight.

From Amazon:
It’s the first “IRA six pack” since the 1970s and The Troubles in Northern Ireland. And Seamus McCree is in hot water. Again.

Seamus returns to Cincinnati after a routine business trip to discover his home has become a crime scene. The murder victim posed in his basement is an acquaintance who endured the six pack: bullets to his ankles, knees, and elbows. Forced to prove his innocence, Seamus uncovers a twisted trail that leads back to his Boston roots. He’s stunned to learn the truth about his father’s death and the resulting divorce of Boston’s Irish mafia and the Provisional IRA.

The more Seamus digs for the truth, the more his life unravels. As the body count climbs, all trails lead back to him, forcing Seamus underground to smoke out who is framing him — and why — before he becomes the next victim.

[Edith Maxwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Bad Policy! Financial investigator Seamus McCree is smart, rich, and in big trouble. He's also a caring dad and son. With ties to the Boston Irish Mafia, this story in Ohio kept my attention all the way through to the twist at the end. I usually read cozies with female protagonists, but Jackson's male character is well drawn, caring, and likeable, and the story wasn't too violent or terrifying for me, although it certainly thrilled. I look forward to the next in the series.

[Tonicecchetti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read. Great story development, relatable, likeable, characters. Captures your attention right away and keeps you turning the pages. Leaves you wanting more Seamus McCree by the end. Does it get any better than that? Loved it!

[Elizabeth Cobun · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bad Policy is a decent read. If you are a fan of James Patterson and his ilk. You will like this book. Seamus McCree is a fair though not horribly believable character. Of course he is buff, rich, and incredibly smart. I am guessing he is all the things James Jackson wishes he was. The book is well researched. If a place restaurant, or hotel is mentioned, you can bet your bottom dollar it's a real place. Mr Jackson does a fair amount of name dropping of other contemporary authors in the story, and I am guessing that this is an attempt to get these other authors to say great things about his books. I guess it's the literary form of product placement. Like seeing cans of Coca-Cola or Yugo cars in a movie. These comments are not to say that I didn't enjoy the book which had a quick and relatively exciting plot. The thing is, that with few exceptions, most American authors feel the need to have exceptional characters going to expensive places all the time. Maybe if the author wants to improve, the main character should have some flaws, and the antagonist should have some redeeming aspects. Maybe the plot could be a little bit grittier. Maybe instead of shooting for writing like Patterson or Reichs the author could aim for James Lee Burke, Agneta Friis, Camilla Lackburg or Robert Mosley.

[Amber Foxx · Rating 5 out of 5]

I admit to reading this series out of sequence, leap-frogging from book one to a short story to book eight and now going back to book two. It still works—very well. The pace is balanced between action and investigation and the personal life of the protagonist, all of which woven together seamlessly. The process of solving the murder involves both high tech and down-and-dirty detective work. The characters are compelling. For me, Seamus’s mother is the star of this story in her own unique way. And the twist that wraps up the investigation is perfect. I almost saw it coming, had an inkling, but hadn’t quite tied it all together. That’s satisfying for a mystery reader. I plan to read the next book, in order this time.

[Jewett · Rating 3 out of 5]

I keep reading this series because the characters and pets are good. The mysteries ar okay but I wish they were a little shorter. Some of the financial info gets long.

[Kandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am loving this series. I love the characters and the way they interact with each other. So exciting as they try to figure out whodunnit.

[Kath · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a huge fan of the Myron Bolitar series and never thought I could find another with the same appeal. I LOVE Seamus!! He's the good guy against the world, who cares about others more than himself. So his life should be boring and mundane, right? NO WAY!!!

I love the twists and turns. The satisfying way Seamus does not just sit there and let bad things happen to him. If you want a book that flows quickly, has plenty of twists and turns, that makes you care about every single character. . . . Well, I haven't quite finished my first Seamus McCree, and I couldn't wait to say how GREAT the book is. I hope Mr. Jackson can write fast and keep Seamus coming!!!

[Judy Alter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jim Jackson has written a classic PI novel with several twists--Seamus McCree (don't you love that name?) is from Boston and has Mafia ties, and he has anger issues. But he's a different sort of PI. He isn't independent but works for a security company doing financial analyses; he has a family--son and mother--he really care about; he doesn't carry a gun, though he knows how to use one. Oh yeah, he's got a nice backup of security in the bank and investments--most fictional PIs live from check to check.
When he comes home from a trip to find a body in his basement--a man tortured with the Mafia six pack and then killed--the action takes off on a roaring start that doesn't quit. Jackson leads the reader on twists and turns, making sure that none of us can finger the villain. In fact, who's behind what seems to change all the time. He comes perilously close to signing his own death warrant several times, but like PIs everywhere, he's devishly clever. And Jackson leaves a nice segue at the end into a second book. Hang on to your hat and go for a wild ride with this debut of Seamus. And, no, it's not See-mus.

[Christine Finlayson]

I wasn't sure what to expect from the debut novel, Bad Policy--a mystery with a financial investigator as private eye--but I was pleasantly surprised. Jackson starts his book with a bang (a body in the basement) and keeps the action rolling throughout. The main character, Seamus McCree, felt very real to me and I especially enjoyed seeing his relationship with his adult son.

The deeper Seamus digs into financial misdeeds, the more he gets himself into trouble. Add several quirky characters, a twisty plot with historical/political (Irish) undertones, and menacing villains who aren’t afraid to use violence to get what they want, and you’ve got the essence of Bad Policy. The book covers topics that few mystery writers address. It’s an entertaining read and it kept me guessing until the end.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this book twice --- enjoyed it even more the second time around. Cant' believe this is a debut novel! Really well thought out & good discussion for book club.

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Potential Book Club Selection from a sort of local-to-Savannah author. I enjoyed the tone, which read like a 1950's Detective Story. I enjoyed the characters and, while some things seemed a little stretched (a money guy, albeit a former pro soccer player, who is able to take down bad guys), it was fun.

My only true gripe --- a line about Krispy Kreme donuts in Boston.... When in Rome (in this case Boston), you eat Dunkin' Donuts.

[K. Stanley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bad Policy is my first introduction to reading James M. Jackson. The main protagonist, Seamus McCree, is strong willed, ethical but struggles with himself when he has to cross a line of what's right and wrong. The character development is superb. The suspense, well...suspenseful. What I liked most about the novel is I lost myself in the story and the mystery. Jackson is a talented wordsmith and I look forward to reading the rest of the Seamus McCree series.

[Frank · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would not have found Bad Policy if it hadn't been selected for my book club. I enjoyed the story of murder and mayhem swirling around a forensic accountant in Ohio. The book took advantage of its setting and the work of the hero without getting bogged down in accounting, insurance or banking. It's an enjoyable read.

[Kaye George · Rating 5 out of 5]

I imagine it must be pretty hard to make a main character exciting when he's a numbers guy. Jackson pulls this off with ease. The character, Seamus, is a well-drawn, big-as-life character. He's a gentle guy who gets thrown into decidedly ungentle circumstances. As a reader, the puzzle of the mystery was satisfying up until the reveal. Enjoyed it very much!

[Sharon Seago · Rating 3 out of 5]

It kept my interest. I did find one mistake.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Felt it was a good read Definitely worth the time.

[Judy Sheluk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intelligent and fast-paced, with plenty of twists and turns. Love Seamus. Love his son, Paddy. Can't wait to read Cabin Fever, book 2 in the series. A great first mystery.

[Vinnie Hansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

My eyes glaze over reading a Vanguard statement, but James Jackson packed this financial crime mystery full of action.

[Greg Comer · Rating 4 out of 5]

a can't-put-it-down, fast-paced mystery, with nice technical detail, character development and suspense

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book!

The Seamus McCree mysteries just keep getting better. Delightful characters, intrigue and romance. I would recommend these books to my friends and family.

[Peg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another winner. I'm really liking this character. Who knew being a financial analyst could be so exciting!!

[Kathy Jund · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars! Seamus McCree book 2!